Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
11:05
SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients
Published on: February 6, 2021
17.2K
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS): Deciphering the Motor Component of the GCS
Megan Maserati1, Anita Fetzick, Ava Puccio
1Megan Maserati, RN BSN, is Nurse Practitioner, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Anita Fetzick, RN MSN CCRN CCNS, is Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Summary
Improving the motor component assessment of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is crucial for patient care. Targeted training significantly enhanced nurses' accuracy in using the GCS, reducing communication errors in neurotrauma settings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Medical Education
- Trauma Care
Background:
- The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is vital for assessing neurological injury severity.
- Standardization of GCS assessment is essential for effective patient management.
- The motor component of the GCS presents unique challenges in interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for clear language in describing GCS motor responses post-head injury.
- To reduce communication breakdowns among healthcare professionals.
- To improve the accuracy of GCS assessments in neurotrauma intensive care units.
Main Methods:
- Educational sessions focused on the GCS motor component were conducted.
- Pre- and post-training tests were administered to nurses.
- De-identified tests with demographic data were used for scoring analysis.
Main Results:
- Before training, 50% of nurses incorrectly completed the GCS motor component test.
- Nurses with over 5 years of ICU experience also showed significant pre-training errors.
- Post-training, test accuracy improved to 93%.
Conclusions:
- Clear communication regarding GCS motor responses is necessary.
- Targeted GCS training enhances assessment accuracy.
- Further studies are needed to evaluate physician communication and electronic documentation.
